In early 2009, the Piedmont Rail Coalition sponsored a Resolution of Endorsement for a proposal to begin new intercity passenger rail service on the US29 Corridor. The resolution was passed by the City and Town Councils and the Boards of Supervisors of twenty-two governments representing corridor localities. In response to this overwhelming political support, and buttressed by overwhelming support from the general public, Governer Timothy Kaine announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia and Amtrak had agreed to operate a new daily intercity rail service connecting the cities of Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas and Alexandria to Washington, DC and the Northeast Corridor. The Lynchburg-DC Northeast Regional made its first revenue run October 1, 2009 as a demonstration project, the first state-supported passenger service in Virginia history.

The localities shown here were instrumental in this corridor-wide campaign. Each one adopted by unanimous vote the Piedmont Rail Coalition's Resolution. Thanks to each member of these boards and councils for their vision and dedication to bringing regional passenger rail service to their constituents.

Please thank your corridor elected leaders who voted in favor of providing Central Virginia with expanded rail service. These local government leaders are responding to the transportation needs of their constituents and are providing for the future economic vitality of their districts.